Documents

There are no additional online documents for this record.

Summary

Description

J R McKay, 1946 (built to a 1939 design by Dick Peddie, Todd and Jamieson). 2-storey, 7-bay (arranged 2-3-2), symmetrical U-plan classical bank building with later single storey flat roofed addition to rear. Advanced piended central section with stone pilasters and inset slender granite Corinthian columns framing centre 3 bays; carved stone shaped pedimented crest to entrance; prominent smooth ashlar rusticated quoins; tall quadripartite windows to ground outer bays; architraved openings to first floor with projecting stone cills. Smooth sandstone ashlar with diagonally droved margins; render with smooth surrounds to rear. Black marble base course rising to form plinth at central bays and recessed to vertically aligned glazing in outer bays; wide band course and string course at first floor, projecting moulded eaves course. Architraved windows with projecting stone cills.

Large multi-pane hardwood casements flanking entrance; fixed plate glazing to outer bays; 12-pane timber sash and case to upper floors and rear; security bars to lower rear windows; out of character 20th century aluminium glazed door. Slated and lead piended platform roof; moulded lead wallhead; small rendered end stacks to rear outer bays. Metal escape stair to rear. Cast-iron rainwater goods.

INTERIOR: 20th century alterations to form modern commercial bank interior, upper floors not seen.

Statement of Special Interest

The Royal Bank of Scotland building is a fine example of an inter-war civic burgh bank building with a prominent street façade and fine classical detailing. The bank's imposing facade is the largest building on the street, sitting at a commanding central corner site overlooking the communal Bank Street gardens. It was originally built as the National Bank of Scotland to replace National Bank Building on the same site that opened in 1825, and is still in use as a bank today. Bank Street was formerly known as Scott's Place but renamed by association with the bank.

The building was designed by Dick Peddie, Todd and Jamieson shortly before the Second World War broke out, construction did not therefore begin until 1946 by which time J R McKay was in charge of the project. Dick Peddie, Todd and Jamieson was a prominent Scottish practice known nationally for producing high quality banks and business premises, many of which are listed. Construction may have been carried out in phases; a photograph in 1955 shows the completed bank with a flat roof but the current roof structure was in evidence by c.1960.

References

Bibliography

About Listed Buildings

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Listing is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for buildings of special architectural or historic interest as set out in the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

We list buildings which are found to be of special architectural or historic interest using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Listed building records provide an indication of the special architectural or historic interest of the listed building which has been identified by its statutory address. The description and additional information provided are supplementary and have no legal weight.

These records are not definitive historical accounts or a complete description of the building(s). If part of a building is not described it does not mean it is not listed. The format of the listed building record has changed over time. Earlier records may be brief and some information will not have been recorded.

The legal part of the listing is the address/name of site which is known as the statutory address. Other than the name or address of a listed building, further details are provided for information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered as a consequence of inaccuracies in the information provided. Addresses and building names may have changed since the date of listing. Even if a number or name is missing from a listing address it will still be listed. Listing covers both the exterior and the interior and any object or structure fixed to the building. Listing also applies to buildings or structures not physically attached but which are part of the curtilage (or land) of the listed building as long as they were erected before 1 July 1948.

While Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating listed buildings, the planning authority is responsible for determining what is covered by the listing, including what is listed through curtilage. However, for listed buildings designated or for listings amended from 1 October 2015, legal exclusions to the listing may apply.

If part of a building is not listed, it will say that it is excluded in the statutory address and in the statement of special interest in the listed building record. The statement will use the word 'excluding' and quote the relevant section of the 1997 Act. Some earlier listed building records may use the word 'excluding', but if the Act is not quoted, the record has not been revised to reflect subsequent legislation.

Listed building consent is required for changes to a listed building which affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. The relevant planning authority is the point of contact for applications for listed building consent.

Find out more about listing and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.